45 Killed In Kaduna Village Attacks

The Kaduna State police commissioner, Mr Austine Iwar, last night confirmed that no fewer than 45 persons were killed in attacks by bandits on Birnin Gwari village.

The attack is coming after the deployment of 200 additional policemen, 10 patrol vehicles and two more police divisions to the Birnin Gwari axis by the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris who visited the area recently to assess the situation on ground.

In a telephone interview with LEADERSHIP, CP Iwar said, “45 people were killed in the attacks.”

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State government has commiserated with the people of Birnin Gwari Emirate following the fatal attacks on the area by bandits.

To contain the situation, the government said that the military will be stationing a permanent Army battalion in Birnin-Gwari.

In a statement issued by , spokesperson to Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, Samuel Aruwan, said the state government was greatly concerned by the incessant banditry attacks and has been engaging with the federal government on the matter.

“The Kaduna State government has received with sadness reports of the murder of our citizens by armed bandits in Birnin Gwari. The government has sent a message of condolence to the people of Birnin Gwari Emirate.

“Kaduna State government is deeply committed to overcoming the unfortunate criminality and banditry being carried out against innocent citizens in Birnin Gwari local government.

“The engagements between the state and federal governments have yielded results. President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of a permanent battalion of the Nigerian Army in the Birnin Gwari general area.

“The new security arrangements also involve policing. The Inspector General of Police has already announced the creation of the Birnin Gwari Police Area Command and two new Divisional Police Headquarters.

“The State Emergency Management Agency, has also been directed to provide relief materials with immediate effect to the affected communities.”